The Art Papers internship program

The Art Papers internship program is designed to offer undergraduate and graduate students real-world experience in nonprofit management, program development, and publishing. Interns will gain hands-on experience in a high-visibility nonprofit arts organization while accruing skills that can be applied in a multitude of fields going forward. We offer hybrid (in-person + remote) and fully remote internships for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. If this interests you, please review the application details below and submit your materials by the following deadlines.

Fall Deadline for Sept – Dec internship: September 6 *HYBRID & REMOTE*
Spring Deadline for Feb – May internship: Jan 3 *HYBRID & REMOTE*
Summer Deadline for June – Aug internship: May 24 *HYBRID & REMOTE*

WHAT TO EXPECT

The day to day of an Art Papers intern is marked by fluidity. You might find yourself helping with database management, preparing content for our website and exploring our extensive archives. Other times, you might assist with fundraising efforts, event planning, marketing, or research. A propensity to learn and rise to the occasion is needed.

Interns can expect to gain experience working on the following core tasks:

Flowing content to web
Generating content for social media
Conducting general research on various topics
Proposing neighborhood ideas for the website homepage
Writing captions for images
Assisting with programs or events
Expanding access to the ART PAPERS archives

In addition to regular tasks, interns are encouraged to engage in detail-oriented critical thinking toward a proposal and completion of an individual learning project.

LEARNING PROJECT OPTIONS:

Graphic design project
Archival research project
Donor research
Advertiser research
Photography & videography assistance
Personal writing/editing development
Audience development research
Program & event planning assistance
Marketing analysis and research assistance

There are many opportunities to bring your creativity and specialized skill set to the table, and individual projects can be tailored to your interests.

BENEFITS OF AN ART PAPERS INTERNSHIP

Direct access to every member of the team including but not limited to the Executive Director, Editor + Artistic Director, and Program Coordinator
Opportunities to build your portfolio through assigned projects and writing
Opportunities to expand and hone your skills through hands-on experience

Mentorship and Training Support Structures in the program:

Two weeks of training—an extensive walk through all of our systems and how to operate them
Three intro sessions—one with each of our full time staff members
Four specialized crash course sessions—relating to editorial, organizational, programming, or marketing topics
Weekly Check-ins with the Circulation + Editorial Coordinator
Exit Interviews—a moment for reflection and feedback at the end of your experience

Our goal for this program is that our interns walk away feeling that they’ve received insight into what it means to work in an arts nonprofit while building practical skills and deepening their passion for contemporary art. If this is an experience that you would like to have, apply today!

COMMITMENT
Interns must commit to a minimum of 8 hours per week—adhering to a regular, designated schedule, Monday-Friday, for a period of at least three months. Participation in weekly staff meetings is encouraged if schedules allow.

Remote interns must commit to weekly, 30-60 minute Zoom check-ins, and to submitting assignments electronically via Dropbox/email on deadline.

Art Papers internships are unpaid, but we are committed to providing an enriching, educational experience that will build viable and transferable skills. We will accommodate academic credit requirements if offered, and if arrangements are made in advance. In the case of for-credit internships, it is the intern’s responsibility to learn and communicate their individual program’s requirements to Art Papers.

For their service, interns are listed on the masthead of the publication for the duration of the internship.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. All interns must be organized, professional, proficient with computers—including knowledge of basic office software and social media applications—and able to work with minimal supervision.

Successful interns will possess the following skills and traits:

Interest in contemporary art/arts publishing
Timeliness and attention to deadlines
An eagerness to learn new things and pick them up quickly
The ability to take the initiative on tasks
Strong communication and research skills
An interest in the relationship between text and image

TO APPLY
Submit the following:

A cover letter describing:

Why you are applying for an internship at Art Papers
What you hope to gain from the experience
What skills or experiences you bring to the organization
Information about relevant coursework
The dates/time period you are available to intern

A resume detailing your educational background and past work experience.
A writing sample of 500–1000 words (e.g. an excerpt from an essay, an article, or other form of writing on contemporary art/cultural production)